Torbay is where our Singing for Wellness story started, when we launched the choir as an NHS-funded pilot in 2018.
The initial project had a focus on the physical benefits of singing for people with respiratory conditions. It was so successful, that we received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to run three Singing for Wellness choirs for a further three years up to the end of the 2024-25 academic year – in Torbay, Honiton and Okehampton.
Run in conjunction with the University of Plymouth, the project looked not only at the physical breathing benefits, but also the wider social benefits of people with respiratory illness singing in a choir. All our Singing for Wellness choir leaders have received specialist training for these groups. Since the project was first launched, we’ve reached hundreds of people in these communities.
Because of the proven benefits, we’re continuing the three choirs for the foreseeable future, and we’re delighted that an anonymous donation for Torbay Singing for Wellness, made during the 2025 festive period, is helping us to run the group for another two years at least. So, where better to start our new ‘Spotlight on…’ series?
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Torbay Singing for Wellness meets 2pm-4pm on Thursday afternoons at Parkfield House in Paignton. The group regularly has 15 or more people attending – some have a respiratory condition; others come along to support a loved one with breathing problems; all get to share a couple of hours together over a cuppa, a chat and a song or two. The choir also takes part in Wren Music concerts. Every member has their own reasons for joining the choir. Iris, Merv and Judith have kindly shared theirs …
Iris’ story:
“I first came because of my late husband, Ray. He was given a 6-week course of singing for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Paul from Wren said, ‘stay and join in’ and I discovered what I’ve missed for the rest of my life – singing. I’ve not done it since I was at school. The singing is so uplifting. My husband enjoyed it very much and it did help him. The group has now expanded so that it’s also for social benefits, for the company. I’ve become a volunteer and I help out with the group where I can.”
Merv’s story:
“I have COPD and this is my second year with the group. I was in a band when I was a teenager – nobody else in the group wanted to be the singer, so I volunteered! But I’ve not sung since. Singing does help with my breathing, but it’s more than that. I thoroughly enjoy the singing and coming here on Thursday afternoons. I’ve given talks to the NHS about the Torbay Singing for Wellness choir and encouraged people to come to the group. I hope to do a public performance with the choir at some point.”
Judith’s story:
“I come because it’s helping with my respiratory system and because I like singing – I’ve also been in another choir, the Big Noise Chorus, for the past 10 years. I can’t sing in concerts at the moment, but I have a feeling that singing in the choirs is helping me, I’m coughing less. So hopefully, I’ll be able to take part in public singing again. I also enjoy the social element with this group, it’s very relaxed and welcoming and I find that pleasant, too.”
The afternoons start with chat and a hot or cold drink for about 30 minutes. Then, there’s a warm-up for 20 minutes or so, with the focus on the body, breathing, and voice. In the third part of the sessions, the choir learns harmony parts for some simple songs.
“A very special group”
Jon Dyer, one of our Singing for Wellness choir leaders, says: “Some people within this community can feel isolated so the social chat time at the start of the afternoon is very important. For the singing, we tend to choose songs that match the seasons, so for example, in the New Year, we’ll do wassail songs, which is fun. And the songs also reflect the local area, so in Torbay, we’ll do some little shanties. We find that people really enjoy the local folk songs.
“The group is for people with COPD and the focus is on breathing, the door is open to everyone who might benefit,” adds Jon. “You don’t need a referral, if you have lung health or a breathing related condition just come along. It’s a very special group.”
Jon has led the Torbay group in recent times but has just passed the reins over to our new choir leader, Carl Hodson: “One member of the group said to me how important it is, how special it is, to come here very week,” says Carl, “and people have expressed how they genuinely treasure being part of it. Some have been coming from the start; others have just joined. It’s a friendly group, and we welcome new members who feel that these afternoons might help them. So please do get in touch if you’d like to find out more.”
More information
The sessions are ‘pay what you feel’, with £5 suggested. You can book a place by emailing [email protected] or calling 01837 53754 – or just turn up on the day.
The three Singing for Wellness choirs meet weekly during school term times – learn more about where and when on our website page.
There are details here, about our three year Singing for Wellness project with the University of Plymouth. And take a look at the 5-minute YouTube video we did of our 2025 Singing for Wellness Conference.
